New workplace temperature limit rules under consideration

The UK is set to be hit by soaring temperatures from Wednesday, with some expected to climb as high as 35C in some areas, the Met Office has said

The Department for Work and Pensions has today provided a fresh update regarding proposals which could see regulations altered concerning an ‘upper temperature’ threshold for workplaces. The UK is set to experience soaring temperatures from Wednesday, with some forecasts predicting highs of 35C in certain regions, according to the Met Office.

Areas of southern England could witness temperature peaks of approximately 33C on Wednesday and 34C on Thursday, with the highest figures of 35C anticipated for isolated locations on Friday and Saturday. By the weekend, the warm conditions are expected to extend to northern parts of the country, with increasingly humid weather and a rising possibility of showers or isolated thunderstorms.

The emerging pattern of temperatures exceeding 35C in the UK has prompted calls for a maximum workplace heat threshold for health purposes, as exists in numerous countries. MPs have tabled parliamentary written questions to the DWP on the matter, with Labour’s Dr Peter Prinsley asking the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden: “If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of a mandated upper temperature limit in the workplace, including those working outside.”

Alex Mayer also asked Mr McFadden: “What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of heatwaves on workers in outdoor and high-temperature workplaces.”

In response, Sir Stephen Timms stated that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was considering changes to the rules in this area, with news coming later this year. He said: “The HSE is Great Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. There is a legal duty for employers to fully assess the risks to workers from extreme heat.

“HSE provides guidance for employers to manage the risk to workers, including from extreme heat. HSE issued a press release on Friday, June 19, to raise awareness of the risks to workers, to help workplaces in the current hot weather. This year, HSE will also be launching a public consultation on proposed changes to the Approved Code of Practice for the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, including those relating to workplace temperature.”

During last month’s heatwave, the HSE signalled its position by urging employers to ‘act now’ to protect workers as temperatures soared

, reports the Express. It stated that employers are required to plan for and support those working in extreme heat, with the regulator noting that doing so would keep workers healthy and safe while also maintaining productivity.

The HSE reminded employers that they are legally obliged to assess risks to the health and safety of their workers, including those posed by extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves. While there is no legal maximum temperature for workplaces, heat is classed as a hazard and should be treated like other hazards.

John Rowe, Deputy Director for Technical Support and Engagement for the Health and Safety Executive, said: “Last summer should have been a wake-up call for all employers. If we continue to experience hotter summers this could have a big impact on the workforce of this country, affecting everything from health of workers to productivity on construction sites.

“The risks to workers from extreme heat must be properly assessed. Practical steps can include providing adequate ventilation and shade and allowing enough breaks for workers to cool down. We provide detailed guidance on our website hse.gov.uk.

“We know all employers are under pressure and we don’t want to add to their burden but it’s vital they think hard now about simple and cheap measures they can put in place to support workers should we see extreme heat again this summer.”

Simple measures to consider include:

• Making sure workplace windows can be opened or closed to prevent hot air from circulating or building up
• Using blinds or reflective film on workplace windows to shade workers from the sun
• Placing workstations away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Putting insulation around hot pipes and machinery
• Offering flexible working patterns so workers can work at cooler times of the day
• Providing free access to drinking water
• Relaxing dress codes if possible
• Providing weather-appropriate personal protective equipment
• Encouraging workers to remove personal protective equipment when resting (ideally in shaded areas) to cool off
• Sharing information about the symptoms of heat stress and what to do if someone is affected